In Memory of Thomas Condon

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 Excerpt: ...moved to America. A few years in New York City were followed by rich experiences in the central part of New York State. Here he finished his education and taught school but, above all, made a fine collection of fossils. In these early days his great lifework was being foreshadowed. Those were the days when science was supposed to be in deadly conflict with religion. Though a deep student in science, young Condon lost none of his love and reverence for true religion. In fact, he entered the Christian ministry. He graduated from the Auburn Theological Seminary in 1852 and at once sailed for far away Oregon as a missionary. Before leaving for the Pacific Coast, he took to himself as bride Miss Cornelia Holt, who became one of the best beloved pioneer women in the whole northwest. The courage and devotion of this young pair was thoroughly tested on the voyage around Cape Horn. For days they fought for their lives until the threatening fire in the ship was overcome. After their arrival, the minister suffered privations and hardships, but so also did his loyal wife. Her long service of self denial, of love and of genial helpfulness has left a rich heritage and a sweet memory to Oregon womanhood. Mr. Condon was located at The Dalles, where he found a congregation made up of every kind of Christians and a population typical of the time and place. Without a minister's study, he roamed the hills and bluffs and sought Nature's aid in building sermons. In this way he discovered the riches of Oregon's Wonderful geology. One of his first discoveries was a beautiful branch of Acacia, with its long tapering thorn and folded leaves clearly and perfectly preserved in the layers of rock. This symbol of immortality must have given a keen joy and an inspiration to this geologis...